In commemoration of Nigeria's 66th independence anniversary, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the pardon, release, and commutation of sentences for 13 inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Centres, Enugu State. This decision was made in exercise of his power of Prerogative of Mercy under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and in consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Enugu State.
The beneficiary inmates are Kenneth Ozioko, Moses Saliyat, Promise Ndudim Olung, Chijioke Ugwu, Samuel Ani, and Eugene Odo. Others are Celsus Emeachi, Caleb Jatto, Calistus Eze, Gabriel Onu, Timothy Ani, Ernest Okeke, and Ejike Nwodo. The Governor's approval was conveyed to the Comptroller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, by the Chief of Staff to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze.
While some of the inmates were pardoned and released, others had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment. Mbah's decision was predicated on reports of ill health and/or proven reform in character, and on the recommendation of the Correctional Services to the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. The Council comprises representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among other reputable bodies in the justice sector.
Section 212 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that the Governor may grant any person concerned with or convicted of any offence created by any law of a state a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions. The Governor may also grant to any person a respite, of the execution of any punishment imposed on that person for such an offence.
The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, plays a crucial role in the exercise of the Governor's power of mercy. The Council's recommendations are based on thorough evaluations of the inmates' cases, taking into account their behavior, health, and other relevant factors.
Mbah's decision to pardon or commute the sentences of the 13 inmates is a reflection of his commitment to upholding the principles of justice and compassion. The Governor's action is also seen as a way to decongest the correctional facilities and provide a second chance to those who have shown remorse and reform.
The pardon and commutation of sentences by Governor Mbah are part of the celebrations marking Nigeria's 66th independence anniversary. The Governor's gesture has been welcomed by stakeholders in the justice sector, who see it as a positive step towards promoting rehabilitation and restorative justice.
Key points
- Governor Peter Mbah has pardoned and released or commuted the sentences of 13 inmates in Enugu State.
- The pardon and commutation of sentences were made in exercise of the Governor's power of Prerogative of Mercy under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution.
- The beneficiaries include Kenneth Ozioko, Moses Saliyat, and Promise Ndudim Olung, among others.
